When a gear drive fails, it’s not always possible to find an exact replacement. In these situations, engineers are confronted with the task of finding a comparable Falk gearbox that not only meets the requirements of the application but is also compatible with the connecting equipment and fits into the physical envelope of the existing drive. After all, most industrial operations can’t afford to significantly alter their machinery configurations every time a Falk gear reducer must be replaced.
Finding a good match can affect everything from the ease of installation to the ability of your equipment to function smoothly, with minimal hiccups. Of course, the best way to ensure your replacement Falk gearbox will fit into your current setup is to choose a supplier with the right experience and competitive knowledge to help you find the closest match. As you discuss your needs with your Falk supplier, keep the following considerations in mind:
Physical size.
As succeeding generations of Falk gearboxes become increasingly smaller, fitting a replacement Falk gear reducer into the envelope of an older drive is becoming less of an issue. However, situations still frequently arise in which factories must replace old drives with surplus gear reducers, which may or may not fit properly. Provide your supplier with as much relevant information about the application as possible, including original paperwork and schematics, if available. Consider whether the motor will need to be altered to accommodate the new drive.
Connecting equipment.
In addition to addressing the physical space the new Falk gearbox takes up, it’s important to consider how the unit will interact with connecting machinery. For example, a change in the diameter of a solid connecting shaft will impact couplings and other mounted equipment. Accounting for these changes now will help prevent unpleasant surprises during installation.
Mechanical issues.
Old or surplus gear reducers often feature a more conservative design than newer models, allowing gradual increases in power that newer gear reducers may not be able to tolerate. Double-check that the replacement unit meets all application parameters, regardless of how similar it is to the Falk gearbox it is replacing. Other mechanical considerations include changes ingear ratio (which some applications can absorb but others cannot) and relative shaft rotations.
Posted under Machinery Maintenance on Monday, April 2nd, 2012